Latin Quotes, Sayings, Tattoos, Phrases & Mottos

Most texts and materials on this site have to do with the Latin language, including its perception in popular culture: movies, tattoos, inscriptions, engravings, bits of ancient philosophy, online Latin resources and company names. There is also information about learning Latin and Greek: textbooks, dictionaries, DVDs and software that can be used in a homeschooling environment.

It is said that labor complications are solved at once when a stone that has been used to kill three living souls at three blows: a human being, a boar and a bear, is thrown over the roof of the house where there is a pregnant woman.

King Charles' motto

Not talking about any historic King Charles here, but rather about the British musician whose stage name betrays his royal aspirations (actually, this makes me wonder whether England has any laws that discourage individuals who call themselves kings or queens). King Charles was part of the opening act during the recent Mumford & Sons tour. Did a pretty nice job, I think. On his MySpace site there is a header with a Latin motto: In mundo, sed non de mundo. - In the world, but not of the world. Note the distinct Christian connotations. Just another idea for someone researching Latin quotes for tattoos, mottos and what have you.

By the way, if anyone finds King Charles' mp3s for sale other than the EP entitled "Alone on the throne", I'd like to know about that.

Fireplace inscription

It appears that fireplaces, not unlike sundials were sometimes decorated with Latin inscriptions. This particular one reads IGNEM IN SINU NE ABSCONDAS. At least one source claims that this inscription can be found on many fireplaces. So far, I found no evidence of that.

Antique maps and compasses on CD

People often ask me about the source of the beautiful antique compass image that I use on this site. Well, today it will be revealed!

I have an old CD (practically antique in its own right) published in 1995, entitled "Extraordinary Cartographic Motifs". It has several compass images (some are possibly even more stunning than the one I used, but I like mine because of its black background). The images are in fairly good resolution. I might use them to make mugs or calendars one day :)